Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Calls U.S. Chip Export Restrictions to China a “Failure”

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has publicly criticized the United States’ ongoing restrictions on chip exports to China, calling the policy a “failure” that has inadvertently accelerated China’s domestic semiconductor development.

Speaking at the Computex 2025 tech conference in Taipei on May 21, Huang stated that the export controls — initially designed to limit China’s access to advanced AI chips — have had the opposite effect. “When you deprive people of access, they just build it themselves,” he said. “The restrictions did not slow China down. They motivated it.”

The Biden and Trump administrations have both imposed escalating restrictions on the export of high-end semiconductors and AI hardware to China, citing national security concerns. Companies like Nvidia, which previously generated significant revenue from Chinese markets, have been forced to develop downgraded chip models to comply with U.S. regulations.

According to Huang, while Nvidia continues to comply with all export laws, the impact on innovation and global competition has been counterproductive. “Technology always finds a way,” he said. “Innovation cannot be contained indefinitely by policy.”

Huang’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the tech industry over the geopolitical tug-of-war between Washington and Beijing. Several tech leaders and analysts argue that isolating China from global supply chains could backfire by accelerating its technological self-reliance — particularly in artificial intelligence and advanced computing.

Chinese firms, including Huawei and SMIC, have reportedly made notable advances in chip manufacturing despite international sanctions, aided by government subsidies and talent repatriation programs.

While U.S. policymakers maintain that export restrictions are necessary to prevent military applications of AI, critics argue that the approach lacks long-term strategic vision.